Latest Updates

Ex-Canadien Bouillon Joins Swiss Club

News:Francis Bouillon signed with Ambri-Piotta-NLA of Switzerland on Wednesday, TSN reports.

Analysis: The soon-to-be-39-year-old Francis Bouillon figures to end his playing career in Europe after the Canadiens released him from his training camp tryout in October. Bouillon tallied two goals and six points over 52 games with the Habs last season.

Canadiens' Bouillon Could Stick With Canadiens

News:Francis Bouillon, who has been skating with the Canadiens during preseason, is competing for the final spot on defense with rookie Jarred Tinordi, the Montreal Gazette reports.

Analysis: After the Canadiens sent Greg Pateryn down to Hamilton of the American Hockey League, it only leaves Francis Bouillon and Tinordi on the major league roster. Tinordi has had a rough camp, turning pucks over and taking stupid penalties. It might be best for him to take regular turns in the AHL while Bouillon becomes the seventh defenseman.

Free Agent Bouillon Skating With Montreal

News:Francis Bouillon will skate with the Canadiens during training camp, the Montreal Gazette reports.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon, who was with the Canadiens in 2013-14, was not signed in the offseason. If he makes the opening-night roster, it would be mean something has gone wrong with the development of younger defensemen like Nathan Beaulieu, Jarred Tinordi or Greg Pateryn.

Habs' Bouillon Scores OT Winner

News:Francis Bouillon scored the game-winning goal in overtime in a 5-4 win over the Senators. The goal was Bouillon's first of the season and finished off a furious comeback that saw Montreal scored three times in the final four minutes of regulation.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon, who recently returned to the active lineup because of Josh Gorges' hand injury, typically does not provide much fantasy value.

Habs' Bouillon Struggling To Find Ice Time

Analysis: His appearance in the Habs' final game before the break last Saturday marked his first contest since Jan. 22, a span of two weeks without any ice time. At age 38, Francis Bouillon is on the downside of his career and probably won't settle into a regular role for the Canadiens barring an injury to another defenseman.

Canadiens' Bouillon Playing Big Minutes

News:Francis Bouillon had 21:22 of ice time Saturday night in a loss to the Sharks. The 38-year-old rear guard began the season averaging a bit more than 16 minutes per game, but that has increased to 18:18 over the past five.

Analysis: With just two points in 11 games, it doesn't matter how much time on ice Francis Bouillon is getting. He doesn't offer much to fantasy owners.

Canadiens' Bouillon Played Through Broken Finger

News:Francis Bouillon had been playing with a broken finger since April 11, Renaud Lavoie of RDS reports.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon didn't score a point since suffering the injury, although that doesn't necessarily carry any significance, given that he only recorded nine points beforehand. He should be fine for the start of the 2013-14 season.

Canadiens' Bouillon Signs One-Year Extension

News:Francis Bouillon signed a one-year, $1.5 million extension with the Canadiens, Dave Stubbs of the Montreal Gazette reports.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon was playing on a one-year deal and can now become a free agent after the 2013-14 season. He is a solid defender who offers little from an offensive stand point, as evidenced by his seven points in 29 games this season. He has scored one point for every five games played over the course of his 13-year career.

Montreal's Bouillon Gets Therapy Day

News:Francis Bouillon got a therapy day and did not practice Wednesday, the Montreal Gazette reports.

Analysis: Therapy days will be common during this lockout-shortened season -- especially for a 37-year-old defenseman coming off 23 minutes of ice time, including more than eight minutes on the penalty kill.

Montreal's Bouillon Second In Ice Time

News:Francis Bouillon skated 22:20 in Saturday night's loss to Toronto. Only Andrei Markov was on ice more than Bouillon, who saw action on both special teams.

Analysis: The present-and-former Canadien has a history with Montreal head coach Michel Therrien and it's obvious he'll be a big part of the team's defense -- at least until they sign P.K. Subban. The playing time is unlikely to lead to big offensive numbers, but the minutes were more than we anticipated him getting.

Bouillon Returns To Montreal

News:Francis Bouillon has signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Canadiens, reports TSN.ca.

Analysis: The soon-to-be 37-year-old returns to the scene of his best seasons. He's never been an offensive-minded defender, but instead a sturdy, fireplug-like, third-pairing guy who provides more hits than anything else.

Preds Not Bringing Bouillon Back

News: It appears the Preds and Francis Bouillon are preparing to part ways, according to the Tennessean.

Analysis: With Ryan Ellis poised to become a full-time player in Nashville next season, the Preds feel they need more size to go with him. "If all things are equal we'd like to get a little bit bigger on the blueline if we're going to play Ellis in a regular position there," GM David Poile said. "That's the process with not bringing [Francis Bouillon] back." Bouillon often plays much bigger than his size (5-8, 198 pounds), however he will be 37 next season and has missed much of the past two seasons with concussion issues. His point totals were 11, 10, 11 the past three seasons, so there's not much to get excited about fantasy-wise, outside of very deep formats.

Preds' Bouillon Nabs Pair Of Assists In Loss Friday

News:Francis Bouillon assisted on two goals in a 4-3 overtime loss to Phoenix on Friday night in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

Analysis: The defenseman had a strong game for the Predators, finishing with a plus-2 rating, three hits, a blocked shot, and three shots on net. In six playoff games, Francis Bouillon has three assists with a plus-8 rating.

Rare Goal For Preds' Bouillon

News:Francis Bouillon scored a rare goal during Sunday's 6-1 romp over Chicago, just his second of the season.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon plays an important shutdown role on the Preds' blue line, playing mostly in even-strength and shorthanded situations. As a result, he barely cracks double digits in points every year, giving him value in the deepest fantasy leagues only.

Rare Goal For Preds' Bouillon

News:Francis Bouillon scored his first goal - his second in the past two seasons - during Monday's 5-4 shootout win against Phoenix.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon doesn't provide the Preds much by way of offensive support - he's more of a stay-at-home type who is expected to shut down other team's top lines and kill penalties. It's nice to see him get the occasional point, but don't expect much more than that for your fantasy squad.

Preds' Bouillon Seeing Less Ice Time

News:Francis Bouillon failed to hit the scoresheet Tuesday against Carolina, his eighth straight game without a point. He has just two assists in 23 games since the start of January.

Analysis: Furthermore, Francis Bouillon is being relied upon less and less these days - Tuesday he skated just 15:33, a sharp drop from the 20-plus minutes he was seeing at the start of the season. Bouillon has never been known as a big scoring threat from the blue line, something that doesn't figure to change as long as he's not playing a top-four role for the Preds. Avoid using him if you can.

Preds' Bouillon Returns From Upper Body Injury

News:Francis Bouillon made his return to the lineup Thursday against Philadelphia after missing three games with an upper-body injury.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon saw just 14:00 of ice time against the Flyers, compared to the 22-23 minutes he was seeing just prior to his injury. The fact that he skates on the team's third defensive pairing with Ryan Ellis does not make him particularly attractive from a fantasy standpoint.

Preds' Bouillon Out With Upper Body Injury

News:Francis Bouillon is currently out with an upper body injury, The Tennessean reports.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon suffered the injury during Saturday's 5-2 win against Chicago and has missed two games since. "It's getting better," Bouillon said before Tuesday's rematch with the 'Hawks. "I can see some improvement." The injury does not sound overly serious, and Bouillon now has the All-Star break to recover. Look for a possible return sometime next week.

Preds' Bouillon Enjoying Added Responsibility With Suter Out

News:Francis Bouillon has seen a big spike in ice time since Ryan Suter, the Preds' #2 defenseman, went down with an upper-body injury Jan. 16 against the Islanders.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon, who was previously seeing 14-16 minutes per game, is now skating upwards of 22 minutes alongside Shea Weber on the team's top defensive pairing. Unfortunately, however, it hasn't coincided with an increase in scoring output. With just 10 points in 44 games this season, Bouillon is more of a shut-down defender than a guy who can jump into the rush, so despite the recent bump in his ice time, make sure you keep your fantasy expectations for him firmly in check.

Preds' Bouillon Remains Out With Groin Injury

News:Francis Bouillon (groin) will not play Thursday against Vancouver, the Tennessean reports.

Analysis: Earlier in the week, coach Barry Trotz said there was a chance Francis Bouillon could be healthy enough to meet the team on their current road trip, but that no longer seems to be the case. Keep an eye on his status - the Preds' next game is Saturday at home to Buffalo.

Preds' Bouillon Returns To Lineup

News:Francis Bouillon, who has spent the last several months recovering from post-concussion symptoms, played in his first game of the season Tuesday night against the Sharks.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon was teamed with Jack Hillen as the Preds' No. 3 defensive pairing and saw 17:32 of ice time. Bouillon is not much of a scorer and thus has fantasy value in deeper formats only. However, it looks like he's healthy once again, so feel free to get him back in your lineups if you do rely on him.

Predators Bouillon Returns After Long Break

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) will be activated from injured reserve for Tuesday's game against the Sharks, Josh Cooper of The Tennessean reports.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon has dealt with concussion symptoms since being checked into the boards in mid-January, so it's encouraging to see him cleared for action after a lengthy absence. He'll slot in as a top-six defenseman, but it's not clear which teammate he will pair with right away.

Preds' Bouillon (Concussion) Will Make Upcoming Road Trip

News: Coach Barry Trotz says Francis Bouillon (concussion) will likely make the team's upcoming road trip but is not expected to play, reports the Tennessean.

Analysis: The Preds are carrying seven healthy defensemen at the moment, so there's clearly no need for them to rush Francis Bouillon back into game action before he's ready. It does sound like he's getting close, however. Keep him on your bench for the time being.

Preds' Bouillon Nearing Return From Concussion

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) has been taking part in contact drills since Monday, according to the Tennessean.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon insisted after practice Wednesday that "it's not game contact, it's more bumping" but the fact that he's out there jostling with teammates is a good sign. There is still no official target date for Bouillon's return but it sounds like he's getting close.

Preds' Bouillon Hopes To Start Contact Drills Next Week

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) said he hopes to start participating in contact drills next week, The Nashville Tennessean reports.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon suffered a concussion in January and hasn't practiced much this preseason. "It seems like it's been forever, but this has been a good week for me," Bouillon said. "If I get to start next week to do those bumping drills and stuff like that, I can hardly wait." He hinted that there could be precautions taken to prevent a setback, but his return to contact drills will be the first step towards getting back to game action.

Preds' Bouillon To Start Season On IR With Concussion

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) continues to skate in practice and work out on his own, but will start the season on injured reserve, the Tennessean reports.

Analysis: "The plan right now, if everything is tracking upward, is that Frankie will continue to practice with us next week and then by the end of the week hopefully be close to be in condition to play some minutes and get into a game or two," Trotz said. Francis Bouillon is scheduled to travel with the team to Columbus and St. Louis this weekend, but will not see any game action.

Predators' Bouillon Practices For Second Straight Day

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) took part in practice again Tuesday, Josh Cooper of The Tennessean reports.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon has practiced on consecutive days, an indication that the concussion symptoms he has been dealing with are gone, or at least not as intense. Consider him day-to-day, and questionable for the Predators' regular season opener.

Preds' Bouillon Skates, Nears Return From Concussion

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) has resumed skating, according to the Tennessean.

Analysis: "Frankie had three or four really good days where he got his heart-rate way up there," coach Barry Trotz said. "We've had no after-effects, other than he's really sore because he's not in athletic condition as well as he needs to, so he's trying to catch the train a little bit. So far he's had really good progress." Francis Bouillon is still doubtful to start the regular season, but this is a good sign that his recovery is progressing well.

Preds' Bouillon (Concussion) Making Progress In Recovery

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) has made progress in the last two weeks, increasing his workouts on the exercise bike, according to the Tennessean.

Analysis:Francis Bouillon is still a long way from rejoining the team, but this indicates a positive step in his recovery. "I started really slow two weeks ago," Bouillon said. "I started really slow and progressively every day, and it has been two weeks, and I ride pretty hard right now." The hope for Bouillon is that he can return to the ice and ramp up his workouts even further.

Slow, Steady Recovery Process For Preds' Bouillon

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) is not close to returning, however coach Barry Trotz is optimistic about the recovery process so far, according to the Tennessean.

Analysis: "Frankie Francis Bouillon is making good progress," Trotz said. "Every day he's ramping up his fitness level. At the same time, he's way, way behind everybody because he hasn't done a whole lot for a long time." Even if Bouillon is skating and practicing once the regular season starts, it's possible the team might opt to work him back into the lineup slowly.

Preds' Bouillon Still Nursing Concussion

News:Francis Bouillon (concussion) will likely not be ready for the start of training camp, the Tennessean reports.

Analysis: This means the Predators will head into the preseason with just four defensemen from last season - Shea Weber, Ryan Suter, Kevin Klein and Jonathon Blum. Assuming Francis Bouillon is out long term, the Preds will have to decide on two of the following six players to fill the fifth and sixth d-man spots heading into the regular season: Roman Josi, Teemu Laakso, Mattias Ekholm, Ryan Ellis, Jack Hillen and Tyler Sloan.

Preds' Bouillon Still Experiencing Concussion Symptoms

News: Bouillon has suffered a setback in his recovery from a mid-January concussion, Tennessean writer Joshua Cooper reports.

Analysis: "It's definitely disappointing," Bouillon recently told Richard Labbe of Cyberpresse. "I resumed training three weeks ago, and it was fine. But lately, the headaches came back, and I had to stop everything." This definitely casts some doubt on whether Bouillon can resume his role as one of the Preds' top four defensemen next season. The good news is, Bouillon had just 10 points in 44 games last year, giving him fantasy relevance in only the deepest of leagues.

Preds' Bouillon Still Battling Concussion

News: Bouillon is still experiencing concussion-like symptoms, reports the Tennessean.

Analysis: After suffering his concussion in January, Bouillon figured out it was not his first. It was one of many that went undiagnosed. "I would get hit and play two or three consecutive games with a headache," he said Wednesday, "and I didn't know what it was." Bouillon, who is under contract through 2011-12j, said he wants to return to the Predators next season.

Nashville's Bouillon Could Be Done For Year

News: Bouillon (concussion) is close to being out for the rest of the season, Tennessean writer Joshua Cooper reports.

Analysis: After initially sensing progress at the beginning of March, it seems that Bouillon's recovery has come to a standstill. We'll keep an eye on his situation, but things don't look good for this year.

Preds' Bouillon Still Out Indefinitely

News: Bouillon (concussion) remains limited to light skating and there is no timetable for his return, the Nashville Tennessean reports.

Analysis: "I feel much better week after week, but I still get headaches," Bouillon said. "I've skated for maybe two weeks, but I don't really do much. I keep my heart-rate really low, but yeah, it's really frustrating." It sounds like Bouillon may not return this season, so don't hold out hope of getting him back into your lineup down the stretch.

Preds' Bouillon Nearing Return From Concussion

Analysis: Bouillon has been out since Jan. 16, when he was ridden high into the boards against the Blackhawks. However, his symptoms have subsided to the point where he is ramping up his off-ice workouts with an eye towards eventually returning to the ice. He's still a ways off at this point, so keep him reserved, but the progress is encouraging.

Bouillon Still Nursing Upper Body Injury

News: Bouillon is back in Nashville recuperating from an upper-body injury suffered last Sunday against Chicago, the Tennessean reports.

Analysis: Preds coach Barry Trotz did not sound overly concerned when asked about Bouillon's condition, saying, "We're going OK right now, so you don't have to rush him or anything." There does not seem to be any timetable for Bouillon's return, so keep him reserved for now.

Preds' Bouillon Back in Lineup

News: Bouillon returned to the lineup Wednesday against Phoenix after a one-game absence due to an upper body injury.

Analysis: Bouillon made his presence known against the Coyotes, scoring a goal in almost 22 minutes of ice time, as well as dishing out seven hits. He also saw roughly three minutes on the power play. Feel free to get him back in your lineup if you haven't already.

Bouillon Likely to Travel With Preds This Week

News: There is a good chance that Bouillon (upper body) will travel with the team on this week's road trip, the Tennessean reports.

Analysis: The Preds can ill afford to lose another of their top defensemen with Ryan Suter already out with a lower body injury. His official status for Wednesday's game remains uncertain, but the fact that he's travelling with the team is a good sign. Get ready to get him back in your lineup as soon as he gets the green light to hit the ice.

Preds' Bouillon Hurt?

News: Bouillon did not play in Saturday's 5-2 loss to Detroit.

Analysis: We suspect there may be an injury related to the Preds' previous game against the Blues on Thursday, as Boui­llon went to the loc­ker room near the end of the first period. He returned midway through the second frame and finished the game, but whatever forced him from the game may have caused him to miss Saturday's matchup against the Wings.

Preds' Bouillon Likely to be Paired with Shea Weber

News: Bouillon is expected to work with Shea Weber, making up the Predators' top defensive pairing against the Penguins on Thursday, the Tennessean reports.

Analysis: Bouillon faces the challenge of stepping up for Nashville as fellow defenseman Ryan Suter deals with an injury to his lower body. Even next to an offensive-minded blueliner like Weber, Bouillon's fantasy prospects remain low since his bread and butter comes in the form of hits and penalty minutes, with little else to offer.

Bouillon Leads All Nashville Skaters in Ice Time on Thursday

News: Bouillon led all Nashville players with more than 24 minutes (24:35) of ice time Thursday night.

Analysis: He got turned around on Sidney Crosby's third-period goal, but picked up his first power-play assist on Cody Franson's score. Still, Bouillon totaled 28 points in the last three seasons, combined, making him a low-end fantasy option.

Preds' Bouillion Seeing More Ice Time

News: Bouillon's ice time has slowly been on the rise the past couple of games, both at even strength and on the power play.

Analysis: Bouillon, who averaged roughly 19 minutes of ice time last season, saw 26:51 against Calgary on Tuesday, including 5:11 on the power play. With teammate Ryan Suter expected to miss the next three games with a leg injury, Bouillon will probably continue to see more game action than he's used to.

Bouillon has rare goal Friday

News: Predators D Francis Bouillon scored a goal and finished at plus-1 on Friday against the Red Wings. Bouillon tied it for the Predators in the first period as he beat Jimmy Howard with a snap shot. It was his second goal and first since Nov. 7.

Analysis: Bouillon didn't have a team until signing with Nashville at the beginning of October. He has since played 52 games and is averaging nearly 20 minutes per contest. Nashville found a regular role for him. Unfortunately, we still shouldn't expect a lot of offense from Bouillon. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats.

Bouillon logging heavy playing time

News:The Sports Xchange reports Predators D Francis Bouillon played 23:35 against Los Angeles on Saturday, the eighth time in his last nine games he has played more than 20 minutes. He had only six 20-minutes-plus games in 2008-09 with Montreal and just 10 the previous season.

Analysis: Bouillon also had his first goal of the season on Saturday against the Kings. Bouillon got lucky by landing in Nashville. They have found a regular role for him. Unfortunately, we still shouldn't expect a lot of offense from Bouillon. He is best used in Fantasy leagues that reward heavily for defensive stats.

Bouillon active for Game 2

News: Montreal D Francis Bouillon was able to return to game action on Saturday in Game 2 of the Eastern Conference quarterfinals against Boston. He failed to record an offensive stat in the game.

Analysis: Bouillon is on the downside of his career and has never been much of a scorer, with 22 points being the most he has ever scored in a season. He will have marginal Fantasy appeal on Draft Day 2009.

Bouillon resumes practicing

News:The Sports Xchange reports Canadiens D Francis Bouillon, who has been out since late February with a groin injury, has resumed practicing with the team but hasn't been cleared to play. He hopes to return before the end of the regular season.

Analysis: Boullion has two goals and one assist in his last five games before getting injured. His offensive appeal has been on the decline since recording a career-high 22 points in 2005-06, so when healthy, Bouillon has marginal Fantasy appeal.

Bouillon out with groin injury

Analysis: Bouillon missed the first five games of the season with a leg injury, but has been relatively healthy since. He is having his best month of the season with two goals and three points in February, and that about sums it up. Bouillon has marginal Fantasy appeal when healthy.

Bouillon ends drought with goal

News: Canadiens D Francis Bouillon scored a goal and finished at plus-1 during Wednesday's game against the Oilers. Bouillon scored his fourth goal of the season 9:46 into the third period, but by then it was too late as Edmonton led 7-1. It was Bouillon's first point since Jan. 7.

Analysis: Bouillon has been a pretty pathetic offensive player over the last two seasons for Montreal and dresses more his his defensive presence these days. Bouillon just doesn't have a lot of Fantasy appeal at this time.

Bouillon without point in seven games

News: Canadiens D Francis Bouillon failed to record a point in 15:28 of ice time Wednesday against the Devils. It was the seventh straight game he was held without a point. Bouillon has just three goals and three assists in 41 games this season.

Analysis: Bouillon has been a pretty pathetic offensive player over the last two seasons for Montreal and dresses more his his defensive presence these days. Bouillon just doesn't have a lot of Fantasy appeal at this time.

Bouillon takes puck to the mouth

News: Canadiens D Francis Bouillon took a shot to the mouth off in overtime Sunday against the Blues and was immediately rushed off the ice. He didn't have a point in 14:19 of ice time and finished at even. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box.

Analysis: Bouillon tallied an assist and finished at even in 15 minutes Saturday against the Flyers. It was his first helper on the season and first point since Oct. 30. Bouillon missed the first few weeks of the season battling an injury, but actually scored twice in his first four games. Then, his offensive game went back in the dumps as expected. Bouillon hadn't taken a shot in five straight games before Sunday and has limited Fantasy appeal when healthy.

Bouillon tallies first assist

News: Canadiens D Francis Bouillon tallied an assist and finished at even in 15 minutes Saturday against the Flyers. It was his first helper on the season and first point since Oct. 30.

Analysis: Bouillon missed the first few weeks of the season battling an injury, but actually scored twice in his first four games. Then, his offensive game went back in the dumps as expected. Bouillon hasn't taken a shot in five straight games and has limited Fantasy appeal.

Bouillon scores rare goal in debut

News:Francis Bouillon delivered timely and unexpected offense in his season debut for the streaking Montreal Canadiens. Bouillon scored 10:53 into the third period and Montreal extended its winning streak to five games with a 3-1 victory against the Florida Panthers on Monday night. Sidelined by a leg injury in the Canadiens' first five games of the season, Bouillon restored Montreal's one-goal lead when he drove a slap shot from the left point past Tomas Vokoun for an unassisted goal. "Goals like that don't come around very often for me," said Bouillon, who scored twice in 44 games last season.

Analysis: Bouillon, a defenseman, began the game as a left wing on Montreal's fourth line. He shifted to his regular position in the second period. Bouillon had just eight points (two goals) in 74 games last season for Montreal, so when they say unexpected offense, they mean it. He is by far more important to his real team than Fantasy owners and remains a very low-end Fantasy reserve.

Bouillon practicing with team

News:The Sports Xchange reports the Canadiens have two regulars -- forward Christopher Higgins and defenseman Francis Bouillon -- champing at the bit waiting to make their season debuts, and there's a possibility Higgins will play Monday when the Florida Panthers visit the Bell Centre. Higgins, recovering from a groin injury, and Bouillon, who has a leg injury, had hoped to face Phoenix Saturday night. Both players have been practicing with the team, but neither received medical clearance Saturday morning.

Analysis: With the Canadiens playing well (4-0-1 after beating the Coyotes 4-1), there was little pressure to rush the players back into the lineup. After Monday's game, the Canadiens don't play again until Oct. 25 against Anaheim, and coach Guy Carbonneau planned to take advantage of the break to give his players extra time to recover. Bouillon had just eight points (two goals) in 74 games last season for Montreal. He is by far more important to his real team than Fantasy owners.

Bouillon nets pair of assists

News: Canadiens D Francis Bouillon tallied two assists and finished at plus-2 during Tuesday's game against the Thrashers. It was his first assists since he tallied one Jan. 5 against the Capitals.

Analysis: Bouillon has never scored more than three goals in a season and had his best campaign in 2006-06 when he managed 22 points. He has just six points this season and has been more of a checking defenseman. He has zero Fantasy value at this time.

Bouillon has 1st goal in 75 games

News: Canadies D Francis Bouillon scored his first goal in 75 games during Sunday's 5-3 win against the Flyers. The Canadiens took advantage of a momentary mental lapse in the final seconds of the first period that left Bouillon open to skate nearly the length of the ice and finish the 2-on-1 break with his first goal since last season. Forward Scottie Upshall drilled Andrei Kostitsyn in the corner near Montreal's net. Montreal defenseman Josh Gorges came to Kostitsyn's defense and goaded Flyers defenseman James Vandermeer into a faceoff, leaving Bouillon free to skate uncontested through center ice and score with two seconds left for a 2-1 lead.

Analysis: Bouillon has never scored more than three goals in a season and had his best campaign in 2006-06 when he managed 22 points. He has just four points this season and has been more of a checking defenseman. He has zero Fantasy value at this time.

Bouillon likes playing Capitals

News: Canadiens D Francis Bouillon tallied an assist and finished at even during Saturday's game against the Capitals. It was his third assist this season and first since Dec. 20 against, ironically, the Capitals. Bouillon was also hit with a roughing penalty Saturday.

Analysis: All three of Bouillon's points have come since Dec. 15 and has most of them against the Capitals. If you can't tell by Bouillon's stat line, he is not worth owning in Fantasy leagues at this time.

Bouillon takes to ice Thursday

News: Canadiens D Francis Bouillon (shoulder) returned to action Thursday against the Bruins after missing the previous four games. He did not record a point in 13:45 of ice time, but finished with a plus-1 rating. He also spent two minutes in the penalty box.

Analysis: Bouillon has zero points and 10 penalty minutes in 11 games. If you can't tell by Bouillon's stat line, he is not worth owning in Fantasy leagues at this time.

Bouillon to return on Thursday

News: The Canadiens hope to have defenseman Francis Bouillon back in uniform at Boston Thursday after he missed four games with a sore shoulder. Josh Gorges has played in Bouillon's spot but the coaching staff doesn't have a lot of confidence in him.

Analysis: Bouillon has zero points and eight penalty minutes in 10 games.If you can't tell by Bouillon's stat line, he is not worth owning in Fantasy leagues at this time.

Bouillon out until December

News: The Montreal Gazette reports the timetable for Francis Bouillon's return from offseason knee surgery has been pushed back to December now.

Analysis: The veteran defenseman's recovery has been a little slower than trainers originally had estimated. Drop him in all Fantasy leagues if drafted and consider plucking him from the waiver wire around Thanksgiving.

Bouillon picks up an assist

News: Francis Bouillon picked up an assist in Monday's game against the Lightning with a minus-2 rating in 19:43 of ice time.

Analysis: Bouillon has picked up three assists over the past four games after a five-game scoreless stretch. He remains worth a look only in the largest of Fantasy leagues at this critical juncture of the season.

News: Bouillon was placed on waivers by the Predators on Wednesday. With Jason York being acquired from Anaheim, Nashville no longer needed Bouillon, who will report to Milwaukee of the AHL if he clears waivers Friday. The Nashville Tennessean reports that the Montreal Canadiens might claim Bouillon, but he'll have no Fantasy value anywhere he plays this season.

News: Bouillon had his first full practice session since suffering a sprained ankle in late December on Thursday. He believes he will be ready to play in about one week, although we don't recommend him for your Fantasy team right now.

News: Bouillon is sidelined for two to three weeks after fracturing his pinkie while fighting during a November 14 game. He's not worth holding onto, so look for a replacement if you had him on your roster.